Lot 1633
1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Small date, large letters. PCGS graded EF-40. Again, we see the consignor's keen eye for detail in the sharp definition of Liberty, the clean surfaces and choice rims, the attractive old-silver color with its varying shades of gray and some russet brown. All in all as splendid a BB-61 in this condition as you are likely to find. The modus operandi of the mint in those days was to use what by modern methods would be a primitive "screw press" to strike these large coins. A burly pressman, with bulging muscles on his arms no doubt, would spend the better part of the day swinging a great weighted boom that operated the screw. Depending on this degree of tiredness or morning freshness, the strikes from this operation could vary all the way from extra bold to very soft and mushy. One doesn't wonder whether the mint kept a barrel of cloth towels handy for the pressman to use to wipe the perspiration off his face, arms and chest after such a workout! And those who are familiar with a Philadelphia summer can commiserate with him in those unairconditioned times! Pop 17; 42 finer. (PCGS # 6860) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
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| Realized $7,590 |
